Nesting – Improvement and Optimizations – ONGAA CAM for SOLIDWORKS

Posted by Christopher in Feb, 2013

Since nesting is all about ‘optimizing’ we took another look at optimizing the nesting process to see where we could improve upon what we had.

Step 1, has not changed.  From an assembly click ‘Gen, Nested MPR’

With a single click, all ‘unsuppressed’ parts of the assembly will be listed, sized and initially laid out on as many sheets as it takes and that layout displayed.

The nesting process will take a ‘configured’ sheet size – width, length and thickness as well as a perimeter scrap dimension and apply these while arranging the parts.

Grain orientation of part and board was available in the earlier release as were the many layout options and these remain the same.

Step 2, Adjusting the layout options has new features added to help the process.

The first is a quick reset of the sheet thickness based on the thickness of the parts.  If the parts are not all the same thickness the part will be shown in red.  The make the identification easier, hovering over any part will display its name and size below the layout sheets.

Next Sheet Lists were added for printing which shows the a numbered image of the sheet and a named list of parts with associated numbers.

The output MPRs can now be ‘Suffixed’ to make sure previous run of other parts are not over written.

Step 3,  Accepting the layout

To help optimize the machining, ONGAA CAM nesting has added process optimization and a new process flag to vertical route and vertical saw processes.

By selecting to optimize, ONGAA CAM will begin by reordering the entire list or processes by ‘interlacing’ one into the next.  This keeps the processes for one part correctly ordered but attempts to group it with other part that use the same tool – minimizing tool changes.  Next, all drilling processes are moved to the front of the queue and the Weeke drilling optimization flag is set.  Finally, all the routes and saws marked with the ‘Finalizing Process Flag’ are moved to the end of the processes.

The finalizing process flag is intended as a ‘do these processes last’ marker to make sure that processes that increase vacuum loss are kept to the end – ensuring maximum hold for even small parts.

Step 4, Send the file to the processor.

Even here ONGAA CAM makes it easier by opening the folder and selecting the file.   Whether transferring it or opening it in WoodWOP, time is saved here too.